Burglar Drowns in Canal After Willebroek Break-In
A burglar drowned in the Brussels-Scheldt Sea Canal in Willebroek early Sunday morning after attempting to break into a jewelry store and jumping into the water while fleeing from police, authorities have confirmed.
The incident occurred in the early hours of May 31, 2026, when three men attempted to break into a jewelry store on Overwinningsstraat (Victory Street) in Willebroek, a municipality in the province of Antwerp, Belgium. According to VRT NWS, police received a report of the break-in during the early morning hours.
Failed Break-In and Flight
When police from zone Rivierenland arrived at the scene, the three suspects fled. Two escaped in a vehicle and remain at large, while the third fled on foot toward the Vredesbrug (Peace Bridge) spanning the Zeekanaal Brussel-Schelde.
“Three suspects then fled,” said Dirk Van de Sande, spokesperson for Politiezone Rivierenland, as reported by VRT NWS. “Two fled in a vehicle, the third on foot.”
The suspect who fled on foot jumped into the canal, apparently attempting to reach the opposite bank. Fire brigade zone Rivierenland deployed divers and boats for a search and rescue operation.
“The suspect who fled on foot jumped into the canal,” Van de Sande told HLN. “Presumably he wanted to reach the other side, but unfortunately that proved fatal for the man. He was pulled from the canal by fire brigade divers.”
Tragic Outcome
Divers eventually located the suspect and brought him to dry land, but medical assistance arrived too late. Emergency services could only confirm his death.
The deceased is believed to be a man in his 30s. His identity has not yet been officially confirmed, and an investigation into his identity is ongoing.
According to De Morgen, the burglary attempt itself was unsuccessful — the suspects did not gain entry to the store. However, significant damage was caused to the premises.
“It remained an attempted burglary because the suspects did not get inside,” Van de Sande confirmed. “There was, however, significant damage to the premises.”
Manhunt Underway
The two other suspects who fled in a vehicle remain at large and are being actively sought by police. The investigation is ongoing into both the identity of the deceased and the whereabouts of his accomplices.
Radio Reflex reported that the alarm at the jewelry store likely triggered, causing the suspects to flee before they could enter the premises.
Broader Context
The Zeekanaal Brussel-Schelde, a major waterway connecting Brussels to the Scheldt River, has been the site of multiple drowning incidents in recent years. The Willebroek area and the broader Rivierenland region have experienced various property crimes, with police previously arresting organized burglary networks active in the area.
What’s Next
Police continue to investigate the incident and search for the two remaining suspects. Authorities are working to confirm the identity of the deceased and notify next of kin. Anyone with information about the incident or the whereabouts of the two fugitives is urged to contact local police.